LPVO Advice

Jcann · Dec 15, 2020

I'm use to shooting high magnification long range scopes on a bolt action and I think I know which ones do well and which ones don't. But I'm venturing into unknown waters with LPVO scopes and I would like to hear what those that shoot them have to say.

Like many, I would really like to run with a new Vortex Razor Gen. III 1-10x24 but at $1,740.00 I can't swing it right now. Staying under $500.00 and with an anticipated use of plinking, hog hunting, +/-700yd steel, and general mayhem which scope would you be more apt to run with? I plan on running a scope with irons back up. I also have an Eotech Holographic sight if the situation calls for it or when my mood changes. This will be going on my JP 15 Professional.

NOTE: All listed prices are with military/LEO discounts.

I also want to stay with either an 1-8x or 1-10x. Naturally, glass quality and trackability are high on my list along with reticle and weight of scope.

Bushnell AR Optic 1-8x24 scope $289.99
Weight: 16.5 oz
Tube Dia: 30mm
Reticle: BTR-1 Illum.
SFP
FOV: 100’-16’
Warranty: Lifetime
Country of Origin: South Korea

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24 AR-BDC3 scope $299.99
Weight: 17.6oz
Tube Dia: 30mm
Reticle: AR-BDC3 Illum.
SFP
FOV: 109’-14.4’
Warranty: Lifetime
Country of Origin: China (I believe)

Swampfox Arrowhead 1-10x24 BDC Green $384.99
Weight: 20.36oz
Tube Dia: 30mm
Reticle: BDC Illum.
SFP
FOV: 115.6’-11.5’
Warranty: Basically Lifetime
Country of Origin: China (I believe)

SMS · Dec 15, 2020

I have experience with the Strike Eagle. It was just "meh" IMHO. I went back to a red dot and put it on my bride's rifle.

If glass quality is high on your list, I predict you will be disappointed in every model you listed.

bigred1 · Dec 15, 2020

I have a Strike Eagle 1-8x24 with the Vortex offset cantilever mount that I was going to put on my first build but decided to go short barrel. I like them. I already have one on my Colt ar15a4mp-fde and wanted to stay with the same setup. It's just sitting in the safe now in case I decided to do a second build. Thought off and on about listing it in the classifieds but haven't gotten around to doing it.

Jcann · Dec 15, 2020

SMS said:
I have experience with the Strike Eagle. It was just "meh" IMHO. I went back to a red dot and put it on my bride's rifle.

If glass quality is high on your list, I predict you will be disappointed in every model you listed.

I know, that's probably a given. Was your Strike Eagle the older model?

Bushnell has the Forge 1-8x30 with a German #4 reticle for $350.00. It comes with their ED Prime glass but I don't like the reticle. I wish Vortex made a PST in a 1-8x or 1-10x. That would probably be about right. All of my current scopes are the higher end Vortex/Bushnell.

SMS · Dec 15, 2020

No, I only purchased it within the last couple of years.

It is functional and worth the money, but compared to your stated priority of quality glass I think it will fall short.

golddigger14s · Dec 15, 2020

I like my Strike Eagle (1-6), but don't laugh the Cabela's version is pretty nice and comes with a nice one piece mount.

Jcann · Dec 15, 2020

I need to go view the Strike Eagle but I may bite the bullet and step up to the Bushnell Elite Tactical II SMRS 1-6.5x24. It's $100 over my budget and it doesn't have my required 8x/10x magnification but I know it has good glass and a good reputation.

You know, it's sad. When I was a kid a little 4x Tasco scope on a Glenfield 22 was something to be had. Nowadays, we wouldn't put that little Tasco on a nerf gun. I guess it's true, the difference between a man and a boy is the price of his toys.

k4ylr · Dec 15, 2020

If you're shooting more at distance than you are blowing holes in cardboard at 15 yards I'd go 2-10 or something similar. You won't be running irons through a budget LPVO because nearly all of them aren't a true 1x. An offset dot is an easy fix if you really need a 1x option.

I agree with the SE being meh at best and somewhere at or below what Primary Arms brings to the table in their offerings (which are very highly regarded budget options). I've shot a Bushnell AR 1-4 FFP which I liked well enough, a Primary Arms 1-6x and a Gen 1 Viper PST.

I run 1-4s or just red dots on my 16" and shorter guns and 2-10s or 4-14s on my 20+" gassers.

Jcann · Dec 15, 2020

k4ylr said:
If you're shooting more at distance than you are blowing holes in cardboard at 15 yards I'd go 2-10 or something similar. You won't be running irons through a budget LPVO because nearly all of them aren't a true 1x. An offset dot is an easy fix if you really need a 1x option.

I agree with the SE being meh at best and somewhere at or below what Primary Arms brings to the table in their offerings (which are very highly regarded budget options). I've shot a Bushnell AR 1-4 FFP which I liked well enough, a Primary Arms 1-6x and a Gen 1 Viper PST.

I run 1-4s or just red dots on my 16" and shorter guns and 2-10s or 4-14s on my 20+" gassers.

700 yards would be more on occasion, not every weekend. I've gone back and forth with irons/red dot offset. I already have the irons so I will run them till funds increase. Probably the biggest use of this rifle will be hogs out to roughly 300 yards and punching holes in paper up close, but you know how it is when you're out shooting....you always have to try the distant steel.

crrcboatz · Dec 15, 2020

Hawke, a well kept secret in this price category! I own 14 of the upper end ones too.

LPVO Advice

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k4ylr

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Jcann

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